Woodford, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids WoodfordBlue Mountains, New South Wales |
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Woodford Academy
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Population | 1,953 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
Established | c. 1830s | ||||||||||||||
Postcode(s) | 2778 | ||||||||||||||
Elevation | 609 m (1,998 ft) | ||||||||||||||
Location |
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LGA(s) | City of Blue Mountains | ||||||||||||||
State electorate(s) | Blue Mountains | ||||||||||||||
Federal Division(s) | Macquarie | ||||||||||||||
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Woodford is a small village located in the beautiful Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia. It's about 90 kilometres (about 56 miles) west of Sydney's city centre. The village sits 609 metres (about 2,000 feet) above sea level.
Woodford is found along the Great Western Highway. It also has its own train station, which opened way back in 1868. This station is part of the Main Western railway line. NSW TrainLink's Blue Mountains services stop here. In 2016, about 1,934 people lived in Woodford.
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A Look at Woodford's Past
Woodford was first known as Twenty Mile Hollow. In the 1830s, an inn called The Woodman was built there. An inn is like a hotel or guesthouse. About ten years later, this inn changed its name to the King's Arms. After 1855, many people called it Buss's Inn.
Later, a businessman from Sydney named Alfred Fairfax bought the building. He turned it into his private home and named it Woodford House. The train station then took the name Woodford in 1871. Woodford House later became a private school for boys. Today, it is a special building protected for its history.
A Time Capsule for the Future
On December 14, 2002, something cool happened at Woodford railway station. Chris Parr, who was the station master, buried a time capsule. He collected items from local people to put inside. This capsule is meant to be opened in 100 years! Imagine what people in the future will think of the items inside.
Important Historic Places
Woodford has several places that are listed as heritage sites. This means they are important parts of history and are protected.
- 90-92 Great Western Highway: This is where the Woodford Academy is located.
- Old Bathurst Road: This area includes part of Cox's Road. This was one of the very first roads built across the Blue Mountains.
- The Appian Way (off): This area also includes another part of Cox's Road.
Sports and Outdoor Fun
Woodford is a popular spot for people who love mountain biking and walking. It's the starting point for famous tracks like the Oaks and St Helena. It's also where the Andersons and Ingar fire trails end. These are also great for biking and walking.
Every June or July, an organization called Careflight International holds a special event. It's called the Woodford to Glenbrook Classic. This event raises money for a good cause. It's a race for cyclists and runners. The race starts at Woodford railway station and finishes at the Euroka picnic area in the Blue Mountains National Park. The Classic follows the Oaks and Bennetts Ridge fire trails and is 25 kilometres (about 15.5 miles) long.
Exploring Nature and Scenery
The Woodford area is also perfect for bushwalking and taking amazing photos. You can explore places like Murphys Glen and Wilson Glen, which are on the south side. On the north side, you can visit Mabel Falls Reserve. These spots offer beautiful natural scenery and chances to see local wildlife.